Driving sleeve (Tanless Driver)

ABSTRACT

Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver) consists of at least some of the following: a sleeve with a cuff on one end and an elbow opening with an attaching mechanism on the other end. A user puts the Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver) on his arm by placing a hand through the elbow opening and then the cuff, allowing the sleeve to cover the arm from the wrist to approximately the elbow of the user. The attaching mechanism can then be fastened to the seat belt if a user desires to further secure the sleeve in place. While the product is in use, it protects the user&#39;s arm from direct sunlight. When the user is finished with the product, he can either place it in the glove compartment or center console region of the vehicle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional Patent Application claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/699,572 entitled “Driving Sleeve (TanlessDriver)” filed on Jul. 15, 2005.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to both the medicalaccessory and vehicle accessory industries. The invention discussedherein is in the general classification of arm protectors.

BACKGROUND

Millions of people drive their cars everyday. Automobiles, trucks andother vehicles are used for long distance travel and everyday errandsalike. While driving or riding in a vehicle, people are subject tosunrays that enter the vehicle through windows and the windshield of thevehicle. The sunlight can cause a variety of medical problems rangingfrom an uncomfortable and unsightly burn to cancer if an individual issubject to prolonged exposure. Truck drivers and individuals that travellong distances are particularly susceptible to these dangers. The arm ofa vehicle operator or passenger closest to the window is of primaryconcern.

Many people choose to wear long-sleeved shirts to protect their arms.However, in summer months, these types of shirts make a user hot anduncomfortable. Once a user exits the vehicle, he often no longer desiresto wear this type of shirt.

Others apply suntan lotion to protect exposed areas on their arms.However, this solution requires constant reapplication that can bedifficult while an individual is operating a vehicle. This solution isalso messy and leaves the user with a greasy and strong odor on his arm.Suntan lotions are also expensive to use as a long-term solution.

A variety of screens or visors have also been used on a windshield orwindow to shield a user from the sun. Unfortunately, these screens orvisors usually do not completely protect a user and also reducevisibility for a driver, creating unsafe driving conditions.

Hence, there is a need in the art for an aesthetically pleasing, cleanand odorless device to protect a user's arm from sunburn while alsobeing safe, inexpensive and comfortable to use and easy to store in anautomobile or other vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver) consists of at least some of thefollowing: a sleeve with a cuff on one end and an attaching mechanism onthe end of the sleeve opposite the cuff. A user puts the Driving Sleeve(Tanless Driver) on his arm by placing a hand through the elastic cuff,allowing the sleeve to cover the arm from the wrist to approximately theelbow. The attaching mechanism can then be fastened to the seat belt ifa user desires to further secure the sleeve in place. While the productis in use, it protects the user's arm from direct sunlight. When theuser is finished with the product, he can either place it in the glovecompartment or center console region of the vehicle or store it under acar seat.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a sleeve thatprotects a user's arm from sunburn while driving or riding in a vehicle.

Another object of this invention is to provide a sleeve for protectingthe arm of a user from direct sunlight while not hindering the user'sability to safely operate a vehicle.

Another object of this invention is to provide an affordable sleeve toprotect a driver or passenger in a vehicle from direct sunlight.

Another object of this invention is to provide an aesthetically pleasingproduct that will protect a user's arm from acquiring an unsightly burn.

Another object of this invention is to provide a sun protection devicethat does not require constant attention or reapplication once it is inplace.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a sun protectiondevice that is easy to store after use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the material used to make thepreferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver) is comprisedof at least some of the following: a sleeve with a cuff on one end andan attaching mechanism on the end of the sleeve opposite the cuff.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 1, a sleeve1 made of a fabric 2 has an elastic wrist opening (cuff) 3 on one endand an elastic elbow opening 4 on the other end. The elastic wristopening 3 and elastic elbow opening 4 permit the sleeve to adjust to fita variety of arm sizes. A seam 5 extends approximately the entire lengthof the sleeve 1. On one side of the sleeve 1, an attaching mechanism 6consisting of a strap 7 with a velcro hook 8 and a velcro loop patch 9permits a user to attach the sleeve 1 to a seat belt in a vehicle. Theattaching mechanism 6 is located near the elastic elbow opening 4 of thesleeve 1.

The sleeve 1 has a tapered design such that the elastic elbow opening 4is larger than the elastic wrist opening 3.

FIG. 2 depicts the preferred embodiment of the fabric utilized with thesleeve. A breathable fabric such as the cotton fabric 20 depicted inFIG. 2 will ideally be used. Almost any fabric could be utilized,including, but not limited to, vinyl, leather, and velvet.

In certain alternate embodiments of the invention, a ventilation pocketor slit can be present on the sleeve to permit better flow of air withinthe sleeve. The ventilation pocket could include a zipper and guide orbutton and loop arrangement to allow it to open or close whenappropriate. In addition, a mesh style fabric similar to the type usedin athletic jerseys may be used as an alternative to the cotton fabricdesign.

A user puts the Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver) on his arm by placing ahand first through the elastic elbow opening and then through theelastic wrist opening, allowing the sleeve to cover the arm from thewrist to approximately the elbow of the user. The attaching mechanismcan then be fastened to the seat belt if a user desires to furthersecure the sleeve in place. When the user is finished with the product,he can either place it in the glove compartment or center console regionof the vehicle. Alternatively, a user could store the product under acar seat or leave it attached to a seat belt in the vehicle.

The components of Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver) may vary widely butwill likely include plastic, textiles, elastic, velcro and othercomponents.

The plastic used in the production will ideally be selected fordurability and longevity. Thermoplastics are commonly used in themanufacturing of components similar to those used in this invention.Polyethylene, polypropylene, and other similar thermoplastic materialswould be among those with the necessary traits. Members of this familyare recognized universally as being versatile and of high quality.

The plastic components of Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver) can also beformed with the use of plastic molding techniques, such as injectionmolding or blow molding. Injection molding requires melted plastic to beforcefully injected into relatively cool molds. As the plastic begins toharden, it takes on the shape of the mold cavity. This technique isideal for the mass production of products. Alternatively, blow molding,a form of extrusion, could be utilized. Blow molding involves a moltentube being pushed into a mold. Compressed air then forces the moltentube against the cold walls of the mold.

It should be obvious that the sleeve of the present invention can be ofvarious shapes and sizes. The preferred embodiment of the sleeve isapproximately twenty-eight inches in length and having a diameter ofapproximately six inches at the elbow opening and approximately threeinches at the wrist opening. In alternative embodiments of theinvention, the diameter of the sleeve can be adjusted via straps at theelbow opening to accommodate different sized arms.

It should also be obvious that the components of the invention can bemade of different types of plastics or other suitable materials and canbe of any color. The velcro hook and loop attaching mechanism utilizedin the preferred embodiment could be replaced with alternative attachingmechanisms. For example, a hook and loop or a strap with a button andhole could be utilized.

The present invention will also come in both a right arm and left armdesigns for use on both sides of the car. While this invention will mostfrequently be worn by a passenger or operator of a motor vehicle, itcould be used for protection anytime a user is subject to sunlight.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes ormodifications may be made to the above-described embodiments withoutdeparting from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It shouldtherefore be understood that this invention is not limited to theparticular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include allchanges and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of theinvention as set forth in the claims.

1. An arm cover comprising: (a) a sleeve made of a fabric; and (b) awrist opening on one end of the sleeve and an elbow opening on the otherend of the sleeve.
 2. The arm cover of claim 1 wherein the fabric isleather.
 3. The arm cover of claim 1 wherein the fabric is cotton. 4.The arm cover of claim 1 wherein the fabric is vinyl.
 5. The arm coverof claim 1 wherein the fabric is velvet.
 6. The arm cover of claim 1wherein the fabric is mesh.
 7. The arm cover of claim 1 furthercomprising a seam extending approximately from the wrist opening of thesleeve to the elbow opening of the sleeve.
 8. The arm cover of claim 1wherein the wrist opening is elastic.
 9. The arm cover of claim 1wherein the elbow opening is elastic.
 10. The arm cover of claim 1further comprising an attaching mechanism on one side of the sleeve. 11.The arm cover of claim 10 wherein the attaching mechanism is a velcrohook on a strap that attaches to the sleeve and a velcro loop patchlocated on the sleeve.
 12. The arm cover of claim 10 wherein theattaching mechanism is a hook attached to the sleeve and a loop locatedon the sleeve.
 13. The arm cover of claim 10 wherein attaching mechanismis a button on a strap attached to the sleeve with a loop located on thesleeve.
 14. The arm cover of claim 1 further comprising at least onestrap operatively attached to the elbow opening.
 15. The arm cover ofclaim 1 further comprising a ventilation pocket on the sleeve.
 16. Anarm cover comprising: (a) a sleeve made of cotton; (b) an elastic wristopening on one end of the sleeve and an elastic elbow opening on theother end of the sleeve; (c) a velcro hook on a strap attached to thesleeve and a velcro loop patch located on the sleeve; and (d) a seamextending approximately from the elastic wrist opening on one end of thesleeve to the elastic elbow opening on the other end of the sleeve.